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Garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni delivers that cozy restaurant feel in your own kitchen with minimal fuss. It is a go-to when you want something crowd-pleasing yet easy enough for a weeknight. Tender steak tips soak up a rich garlic butter sauce while pasta gets tossed in the ultimate creamy cheese blend. Every bite hits all the comforting notes.
When I first cooked this for my partner after a long week it instantly became our comfort meal. Now it is the recipe friends request whenever they need cheering up or crave something unforgettable.
Ingredients
- Steak tips: look for well-marbled beef such as sirloin or ribeye for extra tenderness and flavor. Ask your butcher for nicely trimmed steak tips.
- Unsalted butter: key for both steak and sauce prep. Choose high-quality butter for the richest flavor.
- Garlic cloves: pick fresh plump garlic for the most aromatic infusion in your steak and sauce.
- Olive oil: a good quality olive oil makes for better searing and subtle depth.
- Smoked paprika: adds just the right amount of warmth and smokiness. Try Spanish paprika if you can for authenticity.
- Rigatoni pasta: its sturdy tubes hold up to the cheesy sauce. Look for bronze-cut pasta for maximum sauce cling.
- Mozzarella cheese: opt for low-moisture mozzarella and shred it yourself for better melting.
- Parmesan cheese: always choose real Parmigiano-Reggiano for nutty sharpness in your sauce.
- Heavy cream: thicker cream makes for the creamiest cheese sauce. Check that it is fresh and not close to expiry.
- Garlic powder: ensures an evenly distributed subtle garlic background in the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: season to taste but use flaky salt if possible for a finishing touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the rigatoni in a large pot of well-salted water until just al dente which usually takes around eleven minutes. Drain immediately and set aside so the pasta does not overcook. This keeps it perfectly toothsome for your cheesy sauce.
- Prepare the Steak Tips:
- Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Lay in the steak tips making sure the pieces are spaced out. Season with smoked paprika salt and pepper. Let them sear without moving for three to four minutes per side until deeply browned and caramelized. This step gives that crave-worthy flavor crust. Once browned reduce heat to low add the butter and minced garlic and stir everything gently to coat the steak tips with garlic butter. Remove the pan from the heat to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.
- Make the Cheesy Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream then add garlic powder salt and pepper. Stir continuously for two to three minutes to warm the cream and blend in the seasoning. Slowly add the mozzarella and Parmesan in batches whisking between additions so the cheese melts smoothly and does not clump. Keep stirring until the sauce looks creamy glossy and thick enough to cling to the pasta.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked rigatoni directly into the cheesy sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat each tube of pasta. The cheese sauce should fill every nook of the rigatoni.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Spoon cheesy rigatoni onto warm plates or into bowls. Top generously with the garlic butter steak tips and drizzle over any reserved pan juices. Finish with parsley or extra shaved Parmesan for a pop of freshness.
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I think the smoked paprika makes this dish truly unique. One time I switched it for a sweeter paprika and my whole family noticed the difference right away. We love sharing this at birthdays and cozy evenings
Storage Tips
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and are best enjoyed within three days. For best reheating add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water before microwaving and stir halfway to keep the cheese sauce smooth.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap steak tips for chicken breast shrimp or even portobello mushrooms if you want to make it vegetarian. For the cheese sauce experiment with fontina or Gruyere for a different savory melt. Gluten-free pasta also works well just watch for overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for color and freshness. Garlic bread makes a dream pairing to soak up any extra sauce. For an elevated presentation sprinkle with fresh basil or thyme before serving.
Cultural Background
This recipe fuses Italian-inspired cheesy pasta with American steakhouse flavors. Rigatoni is beloved for its satisfying bite in classic Roman dishes while the garlic butter steak nods to hearty home-cooked dinners often shared at the table with family.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep steak tips tender?
Cook steak tips over high heat for just a few minutes per side, then rest briefly. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
- → What pasta works best with this dish?
Rigatoni's tubular shape holds the rich, creamy cheese sauce well, but penne or ziti also make great alternatives.
- → Can I substitute the proteins?
Absolutely—swap steak for chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms for a different twist on the meal.
- → How do I achieve a creamy sauce?
Use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan, letting them melt slowly into hot cream and butter for the best texture.
- → Which garnishes pair well?
Top with fresh parsley, basil, or extra Parmesan to enhance the dish's flavors and add visual appeal.